Breaking News

Carin Schultz, left, signs a ceremonial check from the 100+ Women Who Care Kenosha group as, from left, Michelle Eckert, Debbie Davidson and Donna Jamieson look on. The group donated $4,250 to Hospice Alliance in May of 2018.

Snyder: Playing the numbers game for charity

Carin Schultz, left, signs a ceremonial check from the 100+ Women Who Care Kenosha group as, from left, Michelle Eckert, Debbie Davidson and Donna Jamieson look on. The group donated $4,250 to Hospice Alliance in May of 2018.

KENOSHA NEWS file PHOTO

Though our nation remains politically divided, we can all agree that Kingfish bobbleheads (like these seen in my window at the Kenosha News) rule!

They say there’s safety in numbers and also bragging rights, over how many “likes” your Facebook post gets, perhaps, or how big your inauguration crowd was.

If you’re watching your weight, and the number on the scale goes down, you’re happy. Same as in golf.

There’s also something magical about certain numbers. Remember how exciting it was to turn 16 and get a driver’s license? And how shocked you were to turn 30 years old? Or 40?

Big numbers can mean big accomplishments, whether it’s hitting your 100th home run, running your 200th marathon (shout-out to Kenosha’s Dominic Ruffalo, who achieved that feat Saturday) or writing your 402nd local column (that would be this one right here).

Of course, big numbers can also be dubious “accomplishments,” as my mother would say in one of her favorite phrases “... I’ve told you a million times to hang up your coat.” (Sorry, Mom, I’ll get right on it.)

Here in Kenosha County, a group of women have been meeting over the past year to make numbers work for local charities.

It’s a simple concept: If 100 women get together and each person brings $100 to donate, that local charity would receive $10,000.

So far, the group, which first met in May last year, hasn’t hit that $10,000 goal, but it’s getting there. The first meeting netted $4,250 for Hospice Alliance; the most recent gathering, in February, resulted in an $8,300 donation to Women and Children’s Horizons.

The group’s next meeting is Tuesday at the Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel, and all women are welcome to attend.

Here’s the scoop: Everyone who attends can nominate a local charity to receive the funds. Three charities are chosen at random, and whoever nominated that charity gives a short presentation to the group. Everyone votes, and the charity with the most votes gets all the funds.

Simple, right? And it only takes 90 minutes of your time. Plus, there’s food and a cash bar, where we’re presuming a lot of wine will be sold.

I especially like that this is one place you can bring an actual check. Sometimes I feel like the last person on Earth who still writes out checks, with a pen, to pay bills.

If you’re check-averse, the group also accepts cash (you’ll get a receipt) and money orders. But wouldn’t it be fun to write a real, live, paper check again? Think of the nostalgia factor!

This group has been growing in popularity over the past year, and I expect its ranks to continue to swell.

Lots of people want to help folks in their community, but often they don’t know how or feel they can’t make a huge time commitment.

Here’s a quick, easy way to do just that. Plus, there’s wine.

Why do women like this concept? 100+ Women Who Care Kenosha member Debbie Davidson perhaps said it best: “It is fun, fast-paced and impactful, and we get to do something positive for our community!”

If you go

How to donate: All women who attend come with a blank $100 check, to be made out to a local charity. Cash or a money order are also accepted.

How it works: Every woman who attends gets a ballot and may nominate a charity to receive all the funds that night. Three charities are chosen at random; the person who nominated the charity gives a short (3-5 minute) presentation. Everyone votes, and the charity with the most votes receives all the checks.

Schedule: 5 to 5:30 p.m., registration and mingling (you can also register in advance online at www.100wwckenosha.com). 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., nominations and voting. There's also a door prize and a group photo.

Cost: $10 cash for food from Twisted Cuisine; there is a cash bar. Coffee and water are provided.

Note: Junior members (under age 40) may donate $50

Who can attend: Women living in Kenosha County

Meetings: On the second Tuesday of February, May, August and November. The next meeting is Aug. 13.

More information: www.100wwckenosha.com or the group's Facebook page

Some things transcend politics

You may not support everything Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers wants to do, but there’s one thing we can all agree on: Kenosha Kingfish bobbleheads are awesome!

The governor was at the Kenosha News building last Thursday to talk about his plan to expand Medicaid coverage in Wisconsin, but first he noticed my collection of King Elvis bobbleheads in the window next to my desk.

Unfortunately, I was out of the office when Evers visited, but he immediately went over to my desk, after noticing the bobbleheads from the sidewalk.